Definition of stupendousnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stupendous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of stupendous are monstrous, prodigious, and tremendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

In what contexts can monstrous take the place of stupendous?

The words monstrous and stupendous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, monstrous implies a departure from the normal (as in size, form, or character) and often carries suggestions of deformity, ugliness, or fabulousness.

the monstrous waste of the project

When is prodigious a more appropriate choice than stupendous?

Although the words prodigious and stupendous have much in common, prodigious suggests a marvelousness exceeding belief, usually in something felt as going far beyond a previous maximum (as of goodness, greatness, intensity, or size).

made a prodigious effort and rolled the stone aside

Where would tremendous be a reasonable alternative to stupendous?

While in some cases nearly identical to stupendous, tremendous may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe.

the tremendous roar of the cataract

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stupendous Ever since Derry Girls wrapped in 2022, all eyes have been trained on where next for the stupendous comic talent of Lisa McGee. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 25 Dec. 2025 What’s stunning about the venture isn’t so much the stupendous scale of investment—that’s what AI is all about—but that six leaders in the field that are competitors in different products to different degrees, and often fierce opponents, could unite to form a single company. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 23 Nov. 2025 Designed to survey a large portion of the entire sky over and over, more deeply and in a speedier fashion than ever before, its science goals are stupendous. Big Think, 4 Nov. 2025 But Pullman’s abilities as a storyteller are stupendous, and on full display. Lev Grossman, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • Thankfully, the wonderful leaders of our great state of Florida have corrected this problem.
    Krys Fluker, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Spring is a wonderful time of year to visit, before the crowds descend for the summer months.
    Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Great Britain had to win to stay alive for the medal round, and won on an amazing throw by skip Rebecca Morrison, who banked her stone off a wide blocking stone and spun it right.
    John Shipley, Twin Cities, 18 Feb. 2026
  • So many comedians would have been amazing hosting that show.
    Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Mirabilis, being Latin for astonishing.
    Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 19 Feb. 2026
  • But from the jaws of defeat, Team USA pulled off an astonishing Olympic comeback, sending the players leaving Italy with gold medals swinging around their necks.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • And Timmons had been diagnosed with cancer a decade earlier, so his miraculous recovery from seeming to be at death’s door doesn’t quite ring true.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 16 Feb. 2026
  • The very fact that Macclesfield as a club is even in business is nothing short of miraculous given the financial hardship the 6th-tier club in North-West England has faced over the years.
    Patrick Snell, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • This marvelous resource must not become the victim of amateur operators!
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
  • The charming town, tucked away in the northern jungles of Costa Rica and beneath the marvelous Arenal Volcano, is an experience for the senses.
    Lauren P. Reyes, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Humans have always made incredible sacrifices for ambition.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Feb. 2026
  • There’s also some incredible concert footage to boot.
    Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • There is one surprising tool that can avoid all the sneezing and cleanup that this job usually entails.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The style of proof that the LLMs came up with was particularly surprising, Abouzaid says.
    Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In a stunning reversal, the Justice Department on Thursday filed a motion seeking to drop criminal charges against the two Venezuelan men.
    Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Portland’s Damian Lillard joined Bird and Craig Hodges (1990-92) as the only three-time winners with a stunning exhibition in the final round, ending up with a score of 29 — two better than runner-up and 2018 champion Devin Booker of Phoenix.
    Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

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